Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Early Years and Young Children

When most people think about ADHD, they often picture a child who is constantly running, climbing, interrupting, and unable to sit still.

Whilst these can be signs of ADHD, they are often not the first things parents notice at home.

As an ADHD Early Years Practitioner, a parent of neurodivergent children, and someone with ADHD myself, I have found that many of the early signs parents talk about are much more subtle.

It is also important to remember that many young children will show some of these behaviours from time to time. ADHD is not identified by one sign alone. Instead, we look at patterns, frequency, intensity, and how much the behaviour impacts everyday life.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

These are often the signs people recognise most easily.

A child may:

• Struggle to stay seated.

• Climb when it is not appropriate.

• Run rather than walk.

• Interrupt conversations.

• Find it difficult to wait for their turn.

• Act before thinking about the consequences.

However, ADHD is about much more than physical activity.

Saying "Eh?" Frequently

As a child, I said "Eh?" so often that my mum took me for a hearing test.

My hearing was completely normal.

Looking back, I don't think the problem was hearing. I think the problem was processing.

Sometimes I heard my name but missed the rest of the sentence.

Sometimes I was focused on something else and needed longer to switch my attention.

What adults may see as not listening can sometimes be a child trying to catch up with what they have heard.

A Strong Sense of Fairness

Many children with ADHD seem to notice fairness instantly.

They know if a sibling received a larger biscuit.

They notice if someone has had more turns.

They spot when somebody appears to have been treated differently.

This can sometimes lead to arguments or emotional reactions that seem out of proportion to the situation. However, for the child, fairness may feel incredibly important.

Intense Interests

Many parents describe a child becoming completely absorbed in a particular interest.

This might be Lego, dinosaurs, trains, drawing, or another favourite activity.

The interest can become all-consuming for days or weeks.

Then, almost overnight, the child may lose interest completely and move on to something else.

Difficulty Leaving Preferred Activities

Transitions can be difficult for many young children, but for some children with ADHD, they can be particularly challenging.

A child who is enjoying an activity may struggle when asked to stop.

To adults, it can look like defiance.

However, it may simply be that the child is finding it difficult to move away from something that currently feels rewarding and enjoyable.

Rushing and Making Mistakes

One thing I remember from school was rushing.

I often knew the answer.

The problem was that my brain seemed to move faster than my hand.

As a result, I would make careless mistakes, miss words, or skip parts of a task.

Parents and teachers sometimes see the mistake without seeing the rush that came before it.

Talking Out Loud

Many young children talk themselves through activities.

For some children, this continues for longer.

They may talk through instructions, solve problems out loud, or narrate what they are doing.

This can be an important way of organising their thoughts and working through tasks.

Strong Autonomy

Many parents describe their child as wanting things done their way.

They may argue their case passionately.

They may resist being told what to do.

They may struggle when somebody else's idea conflicts with their own.

Whilst this can be frustrating, it is often worth looking beneath the behaviour and asking what the child may be finding difficult in that moment.

Looking Beyond Behaviour

One of the biggest lessons I have learned through parenting, studying,

and working with children is that behaviour is often the final piece of the puzzle that we see.

Underneath behaviour may be:

• frustration

• difficulty processing information

• emotional dysregulation

• impulsivity

• difficulty switching attention

• challenges with self-awareness

Understanding what sits beneath the behaviour is often where meaningful support begins.

Final Thoughts

No single sign means a child has ADHD.

Many neurotypical children will show some of these behaviours too.

The difference is often how frequently the behaviour occurs, how intense it is and how much it affects everyday life.

If you have concerns about your child's development, speaking with appropriate professionals can help build a clearer picture.

Most importantly, remember that behaviour is communication. The more we understand what may be happening underneath, the better placed we are to support our children.